Xylella fastidiosa

Photo: Alex H Purcell, University of California, Berkeley, Bugwood.org

A bacterium that lives in the water conducting system (xylem) of plants
Grapevines show symptoms of water stress, such as leaf scorch, and the plant progressively weakens and dies
Can be transmitted in infected propagation material and by leafhoppers such as the exotic glassy-winged sharpshooter
Present in North America, Central America and some regions of South America. It is present in a restricted range in Italy, Iran and Taiwan, and is under eradication in some other countries in Europe. View a distribution map.
The diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa go by a range of names depending on the host species, including: Pierce’s disease, almond leaf scorch, bacterial leaf scorch, citrus variegated chlorosis, olive quick decline and olive leaf scorch.

Other information

National Xylella Preparedness Workshop
Workshop outcomes
Surveillance programs (including Xylella)
Glassy winged sharpshooter

High priority pest of: Almonds, Blueberries, Cherries, Citrus, Dried fruit, Macadamias, Olives (X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex and pauca), Production nurseries, Summerfruit, Table grapes, Walnuts, Wine grapes

Scientific name: Xylella fastidiosa including X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex and pauca
EPPRD Category: 2
Life Form: Bacteria